| Secrets In The Past |
| Chapter 15 ____________________________________ When the bell rang heralding the end of fourth and the beginning of lunch Max shot out of his chair and into the hallway at lightning speed. He had to catch Maria before she went to her photography meeting. Today was Tuesday and Maria met with the photography club during lunch on Tuesdays. �Maria!� He called out into the quickly filling hall as he chased her blond curls down a corridor. If he didn�t know better he would say she was ignoring him. He absolutely had to speak to her. Max was about to have a coronary with worry for Liz. The last time he had seen her was when she had dragged Michael out of the Crashdown at ten last night. He waited outside Michael�s history room until Max was fifteen minutes late for his own first period class. Michael never showed and as far he could see, had not come to school at all. Max had wanted to talk to him about their fight last night before he talked to Liz. He was not sure what was going on with Michael but he did not like the way he was always touching Liz and he was going to tell him so. What happens if Maria saw them? Liz was so sweet she could not see what was going on. Not that Max blamed her in the least. It was not her fault that Michael was horny and neglecting his girlfriend. After second he caught Izzy in the hall but she had not seen either of them today. Max usually waited for Liz outside her third period class so they could walk to Trig together but she had not been waiting when he got there. He waited not so patiently for her to come in late to class but she never showed. Liz never missed school and she would not skip Trig without telling him first. She knew that he worried about her. She insisted that it was unnecessary but he ignored her. That was why he was now breathlessly pulling on Maria�s arm as he caught up to her. He needed to know where Liz was and Maria was supposed to have picked her up for school this morning. �Maria, have you seen Liz? She was not in Trig and she always tells me if she�s going to skip, not that she ever does so that means that she�s not at school and Liz never misses school,� Max rushed out all in the same breath. Maria had to smile and Max�s out of control concern for Liz. The two of them would be so cute if their whole situation was not so tragic. Hopefully when Gwyn got back they could clear a few things up for the dream couple. But first things first, Max looked like he was about to hyperventilate. Maria grabbed his upper arms and shook him. �Max! Calm down. Take a deep breath. That�s right in and out, in and out.� She let go and eyed him carefully. �Are you ok now? Can I explain or do you need to sit down?� �Maria, please?� he begged, looking about as pathetic as Maria had ever seen. Liz was only missing school, he had it so bad. She chuckled, �Max she just stayed home to rest that�s all. Nothing life threatening, no broken bones, no kidnappings. She�s fine, I promise.� All the color drained from Max�s face. �She stayed home? Liz comes to school when she has the flu. If she doesn�t feel well enough to go to school we should take her to the ER or something.� �Max, you have so got to chill. Liz is just fine. When I went to pick her up this morning she looked really tired and was whining that she did not get to finish her Trig homework because I kept her at my house until 3 am. I told her to get her butt back to bed and I did not take no for an answer. Simple as that.� Max did not look entirely convinced. �Are you sure? Well, maybe someone should go check on her. You know, make sure she eats some lunch. And since you have your meeting...� Maria hastily cut off his idea. This was one of the things that they were going to have trouble with, keeping Max away from Liz when he thought she needed checking up on. Thinking about it Maria realized over the last few weeks that impulse had seemed to get stronger in him. He and Liz were growing closer again. The whole Kyle thing seemingly forgotten. Hmmm. They could only hope that Gwyn came back soon. �No, Max that�s ok. I left strict instructions with Michael to make sure she ate.� Max�s eyes glazed over for a moment and his jaw and fists clenched. Suddenly Maria saw the writing on the wall. Max�s recently possessive behavior of Liz, Michael�s fight with him last night, the new relationship between Liz and Michael, Max was jealous. Oh no. This could be a real problem. Especially since Tess seemed to be backing off, devoting her attentions to Kyle of all people. That would mean Max would have more time to watch Michael trying to keep him away from Liz. Oh this could get very bloody. �Michael is staying with Liz?� Max asked, barely masking his anger. �I was going to because you know Liz, if she was there by herself she would have ended up in the Crashdown doing inventory or something thing else totally not restful. Anyway, I was going to stay but I had an oral to give in english so I couldn�t. Michael owed me big for my alien boyfriend induced meltdown last night, which after all was the indirect cause of Liz�s fatigue anyway, so he got stuck with the job.� �Yeah, I�m sure he was real upset,� he mumbled sarcastically. Maria ignored his tone. �Right, so you don�t have to worry. She�s just fine. Okay, so I have to go to my meeting. I�ll see you later.� She bounced off before he could ask her anymore questions. Oh yeah, Gwyn better be coming home soon. Otherwise, things could get very tense around here. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Liz was laying on her bed staring at the ceiling. Michael had practically brow beaten her into taking a nap an hour ago but she could not go to sleep. There were just way too many things running through her head. Now that she had a little time to process she was not nearly as upset as last night. Really she was surprised at herself. She thought she was coping pretty well or so she reasoned with herself. She just found out that she was a recreated alien who had an obsessive psycho out to kill her. The fact that she was not completely freaking she took as a good sign. Maybe it was a bad sign. Who knows, there really was no right or wrong here. She never tried to argue that all of it was untrue. After the display at the Granolith that was a mute point. She really was this Lillyah girl. Michael had told her everything he said he knew, which was not much. Oddly she was not that upset, maybe she was still in shock. For the past year and a half some of the most bizarre things had happened to her. Why should finding out she was an alien in her past life be that different? Actually it made her feel closer to Max. Michael said that they had grown up together so maybe that was what their connection was. They were childhood friends on Antar. Really she was only upset about a few things for the moment. First her parents. They had lied to her. She was adopted. Thinking back there were no pictures of her before they had moved back to Roswell when she was a year old. They had been living in Arizona near grama Claudia when her dad had a chance to move back to the town he grew up in and buy the Crashdown. Her family had owned the property for generations but her grampa had sold it after World War II so Claudia could pursue her research more freely. They still lived in Roswell but not having ties like that gave them the opportunity to travel with grama during holidays. Jeff had said that there were no pictures or little baby things of Liz�s because the moving van had been broken into. She now knew that was a lie. This brought up another question. Michael said she had come out of her pod when she was six months old. That made sense because Liz remembered growing up as human. He had told her that she was just as human as Maria. Liz assured him that that didn�t matter. Anyway, did her parents know what she was? Surly she did not just crawl out of a pod in the desert and found the highway as the others had. So where had she been born? Was there someone watching or protecting her pod? The other thing she was upset about was that they could not tell Max. She understood why. Apparently this guy, she could not remember his name, knew who Max was and would be looking for her through him. That made sense, kinda. In her head she understood, her heart was a different matter. Her heart told her that she needed Max, that Max would be ecstatic about her new human-alien status, most of all that he would keep her safe. Then there was that nasty voice reminding her about what could happen if he did. Max still belonged to Tess. Sure she was backing off and giving him time, but really that did not change anything. Max still had a destiny and all she could be to him was a friend. Maybe she could eventually help in the cause, if they ever figured how to unlock these supposed genetic memories she had, but until then it was friends. Distant friends if Michael had anything to say about it. Liz heard the phone ring and turned to look at the clock. It was lunch hour at school. That meant there were only two people who that could be. One really, because Maria had a photography meeting today. Michael picked the phone up on the second ring. Liz groaned as she got to her feet. Her head was still pounding from the laser light show last night and her hour long cry fest this morning. Her throat was scratchy too. She was really not in the mood for another Max/Michael face off. She had the distinct feeling that until Max knew the exact nature of her relationship with Michael there would be a lot of them. It would be nice to talk to him for a minute though. To hear his gentle voice filled with concern. That would make her feel a little less lost right now. Without answers to her questions she felt like she was stuck. There was no going back but she could not find her footing to go forward. Without answers she would fall, hard, fast, and painfully. This time she was sure she would break. Yes, talking to Max for a minute would be good. Maybe if she reassured him that she was ok, she would believe it as well. Just as long as she did not have to see him. Not right now, not today. It was too hard, having to tell him yet another lie. She could speak to him for a minute but one look into his deep amber eyes and she would crack in two. ~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Thursday... Liz stayed home on Wednesday also. She needed one more day to think things through. She had to think through how to act around Max. She had gotten through Trig so she figured she could pull this off if it did not have to be for too long. It was lunch hour now, Liz was going through her locker organizing her catch up work while waiting for Maria. She felt someone walk up beside her and turned to see who it was. �Hey Parker.� Rob McClain propped his elbow on the locker next to hers and leaned against it. It was a pose that he apparently thought made him look hot. Liz would not think Rob was hot if she was in a dark room and drunk. He was about the same height as Max but that was all they had in common. He worked out way too much so he had over done, vainy muscles bulging everywhere. His dirty blond hair was slicked back with so much gel it looked plastic. His gray eyes were dull and menacing and he always had this stupid smirk on his face. The one that said I am so cool you should be begging me to spit in your face. Rob played left tackle for the varsity team and had an extremely high opinion of himself. �Umm, hey Rob.� Liz said only sparing him a glance before returning her gaze to her notebook. �I noticed you were out a couple days, I�m glad your feeling better.� Liz looked back up to him. What was he up to? They barely spoke, only when he was in desperate need of a chem. cheat sheet. Which of course, she did not provide. �Yeah, I had a little cold. Thanks,� she answered with wrinkled brow. �So your feeling better. Great. What do you say to us celebrating your recovery. You, me, friday night, monster truck show, a little extra curricular activity.� He wiggled his eye brows and winked to make sure she got the gist what he was insinuating. Oh my God was all she could think. Why the hell was Rob McClain asking her out? She tried to smile apologetically while repressing the urge to gag. �Gee Rob, that�s really nice of you to ask. Ummm, you see, I�m not really seeing anyone right now. My plate is just a little too full for dating. I�m sorry, but thanks for the invitation.� She smiled again and turned back to her locker praying he would just turn and walk away. She was not so lucky. Rob stood up straight so he was towering over her. �What�s the matter Parker? Think I�m too much man for you?� Liz tried desperately not to laugh out loud. �No Rob, I�m sure your uhh... very manly. I am just not dating right now.� He leaned over her a little more. �You think your too good for me don�t you?� Before Liz could answer she felt a hand reach in and pull her from under Rob�s stare. �Your damn right she does!� Maria spat at him. �Stay out of this Deluca. I don�t want you. I want lil�miss perfect Parker here.� �Wow, that�s charming Rob. Let me give you a clue here. Liz would rather date one of the little green men from the crash than you.� Liz had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. �What, are you speaking for her now? You her mommy?� �No, but that does not mean I don�t know her well enough to know that she would never lower herself to your standards. Now get lost you no neck freak.� Maria reached out, slammed Liz�s locker in his face, then pulled her out toward the quad. When they were a safe distance away Liz hugged Maria. �Oh my gosh Maria. Thank you so much. Can you imagine? Rob McClain... That's just so ...eewwww is the only thing I can think of.� She shivered at thought. �No sweat babe, I�m happy to help. And your right that's just so ewww!� They were sitting down to their table that was already occupied by Isabel, Alex, Max, Tess, and Kyle. �What's ewwww?� Isabel looked up from her yogurt. Before Liz could intercept Maria was already spilling the whole incident. �Rob McClain just asked Lizzy out.� �EWWWWWWW!!� was the response from all the girls and Alex. Max and Kyle exchanged heated glances. They knew Rob�s reputation with girls. Kyle nodded his head at Max�s silent command to watch Rob. As captain of the football team he could get him kicked off if he continued to bother Liz. Michael joined the table finally taking a seat between Maria and Liz. No one flinched when he planted a kiss on Maria�s cheek but when he turned to Liz and did like wise it defiantly raised a few eyebrows. However, it was when he leaned over whispered in her ear and squeezed her hand that everyone turned and stared. Michael asked Liz in her ear if she was doing ok. Liz smiled warmly at him and squeezed his hand back. She realized her mistake when she turned back to the table. Everyone was sitting in stunned silence. No one knew what was weirder Michael�s behavior or Maria�s lack of response. Liz could practically hear Max deciding what method would be most satisfactory when he killed Michael. Trying to calm everyone she sent a look to Maria who promptly started babbling non stop about the new Brad Pitt movie to Isabel and Tess. Then she flashed a smile at Max. The special shy grin she saved only for Max and he knew it. As soon as his eyes met hers he felt all his jealousy and anger melt away. With that one special smile she was telling him that there was nothing between her and Michael. At least on her end. It had been so long. He let himself fall into the her chocolate pools for a little while. Unconsciously, a dreamy smile graced his lips as he continued to let himself fall. Her eyes were so beautiful. Such a warm, soft, inviting color. He wished he could wrap himself in that color. There was a flicker of something he could not quite place. Something hollow and haunted. Something sad and lonely. He wanted more than anything to take that away, it did not belong there. Liz�s eyes were supposed to be bright and happy and loving. No, that was still there. Her eyes were still full of love but it was different now. Liz was different now. Suddenly, he wanted nothing more than to take her away from this place so he could find it. Find that change, fix it if it needed fixing. Do whatever it took to make her feel better, to take that lost and lonely look out of her eyes, to make her his again. He was knocked out of his reverie both by the shock of his own thought and Michael elbowing Liz so she broke the staring contest. Had he just thought about making Liz his? Where had that come from? Ok, he knew, but he was making a concerted effort to suppress those feelings he had for Liz. They were friends and that was final. Liz glared right back at Michael. He had seen their locked gaze and put a stop to it. It was things like that that were going to get her hurt. She may not understand but he certainly did. There was no way she was getting close to Max right now. It was not forever, just until they got this psycho. If she was not going to cooperate he would just have to make her understand. He would lock her in a closet if he had to. Michael would do anything to make sure his little sister stayed safe. If that anything was keeping her from Max, than that was what he would do. With or without their consent. Maria watched the silent drama play out between the three. Max looked like he was going to kill Michael if her ever touched Liz again, then like he would gladly gut himself if Liz asked him too. Yup, that dreamy smile confirmed it. The Kyle thing was defiantly in the past. It was a good thing Tess didn�t seem too shocked by their silent display. She almost looked happy about it. Weird. Then there was Michael. He looked like he wanted to kill Max for whatever impure thoughts he was surly having about his sister. He was pleading with Liz to trust him and stay away from Max. Liz did not look quite ready to comply. She just looked confused. Maria could not get past the small inkling of fear and uncertainty in her eyes. She may be able to hide it from the others but Maria had know Liz since they were toddlers. Liz was an open book to her. Whether or not she was willing to admit it, even to herself, Liz was scared. As she watched all this transpire one thought permeated Maria�s musings, Gwyn had better get home soon. Before all hell broke loose. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~ Rob McClain sat at his usual table across the quad watching Liz Parker intently. He ignored the other jocks at his table who were having a great time ragging on him. She would sleep with Valenti while she was still seeing Evans but she would not even go out on a date with him. They thought it was the most hysterical thing in the world. Rob thought otherwise. There she sat at her little table with her little friends. With both of the guys in her twisted little triangle no less. Plus Guerin who looked like he might be getting cozy with her now and Whitman who had been around Liz�s finger for a while now. It was pathetic really. That little slip of a thing pulled them all around by their shorts. Who did she think she was? Turning down Rob McClain, it was not done. Would rather date a little green man from the crash, huh? We�ll see Miss Perfect Parker, we�ll see. Chapter 16 ______________________________________ The next Sunday found Max on his way to the Crashdown. He was hoping to get there before the others so he could spend a little time with Liz. They were having their meeting at the cafe today because Michael's neighbors had said they were too loud and threatened to call the police. Max and Maria had used this as an excuse to get Liz to start closing the cafe early on Saturdays and Sundays. They were usually open until nine with Liz being the only manager on site, by the time Sunday evening rolled around she was too tired from training and the hours there to do her homework not to mention do something fun. Max was concerned that she did not put up much of a fight. That showed just how tired and overwhelmed Liz really was. It was about quarter to five. He was going to help close up and wait for the others. He really needed to see her. Not for any particular reason, he just wanted to make sure she was all right. It wasn�t like he had not talked to her for a hour last night but it was not quite the same as seeing her. If he could just get Liz to talk to him in person the way she did on the phone everything would be perfect. It was almost a week now since they had started speaking on the phone every night. Max found himself looking forward to the end of the day more and more because of those phone calls. It used to be that he dreaded night time. It was when he was left alone with his thoughts of Liz. The only time he let himself analyze that night last October and the events following. Every time he thought about it he felt the pain a new. The more he thought about it and everything that had been going on with the group since then, the more he was convinced it was a lie, not that he really care at this point. The only thing he could not figure out was why. The easy answer was Tess. But if that was Liz�s main reason for deceiving him then why was she not flipping out about Tess� resent interest in Kyle? This was a puzzle and Max was still missing some of the key pieces. Pieces he did not expect to be finding anytime soon. He had made progress with Liz but it was not something he could ask her about, not yet. It was an unspoken promise that they did not talk about their past when on the phone. They only talked about �normal� things. Things that other kid's talked about like school, their interests, science, their parents, stupid inconsequential things. They never spoke of aliens, the FBI, their powers, or anything pertaining to their special circumstances. For an hour each night they got to be themselves. Not an alien and the girl who he dragged in to a huge mess, just Max and Liz. It was quickly becoming Max�s favorite time of the day and he knew Liz enjoyed it as well. Neither told their friends or spoke about the calls in public. They seemed too special, too privet. Max was terrified that something would stop Liz from talking to him at night. This was the only time he was able to truly reach Liz. When they were on the phone with no one (Michael) to interrupt or distract Liz, he got her back. He got his Liz back. The bright, kind, carefree girl he adored. He was able to reach her, to take the haunted tone from her voice and make her laugh. For just that one hour every night he was able to make her laugh and forget everything that had happened, everything that he had made her life, everything that she was keeping from him, and that was greater than any piece of the puzzle. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ �Oh, Brody�s gone again.� Once everyone had gotten to the Crashdown and Liz had served their dinners Max had gone straight to business. It was a wonder he didn�t have Tess taking minutes or something, Michael thought. Max had come a half an hour early to the meeting to steal a few minutes with Liz. Thank God he had thought ahead and been there at four to watch Liz. This whole keep Max away from Liz thing was getting harder by the day. He was like a homing pigeon or something. Now with Tess seemingly ignoring Max it was getting harder. Max was starting to act like he did just before he saved Liz, like he had an insatiable thirst for her. Michael really did not have a problem with the two of them being together. If there was one person besides himself that he would trust with his sister it was Max. However, given the fact that he would lead her stalker right to her, he would just have to stay away for awhile. Now they were going over any strange occurrences of the past week while eating their burgers. Max�s comment about Brody perked his ears. �How long has he been gone?� he asked. �A few days, I�m not sure if it was Larek, but Brody would not up and leave without telling me.� Michael thought Brody�s disappearance might have something to do with Gwyn�s hasty retreat earlier, not that he could say that though. �That poor man. Can�t you tell your friend to get a new body to jerk around?� Maria asked from her perch on Michael�s lap. Maria was very fond of Brody. Max smiled at her indulgently. �Well, next time I see him I will ask him Ok?� Maria nodded happily. �That�s all I have, anybody else?� Max was met with blank stares. �Oh hey Liz,� Maria started, �what about your secret admirer?� She laughed while Liz sent her a pointed glare. Michael and Max turned to her in unison asking, �what secret admirer?� �Thank you Maria.� That was why Liz had not said anything, because she would have to deal with frick and frack. �I�m sure its nothing,� she said looking between the two but received very disbelieving looks. She sighed �Friday after school I found a little alien doll, like Maria�s mom sells, in my locker. There was also one tied to the front doors of the cafe yesterday when I opened.� �Liz why didn�t you say anything?� �Because it�s not a big deal Max. Someone has a crush on me, big deal. We live in an alien themed town. I work in an alien themed restaurant. Not every alien doll is a direct reference to your origins.� Max could see that this was something that Liz really did not want to discuss so he didn�t push it. If Liz thought it was nothing he would trust her judgment, for now. That didn�t mean he was going to stop keeping tabs on her though. Michael was less calm about Liz�s news. They were going to have a little talk later. If she insisted on keeping things like this he would have to tie her up. How did she know that those were little love tokens? She didn�t. They could be threats from a guy she knew was looking to kill her. Sometimes Michael wondered if she even cared if he found her. She was becoming more and more careless with her safety. Apparently she was unaware of the fact that the group would fall apart without her. Well, if she didn�t care he would have to care extra because no one was ever going to hurt his sister. He unconsciously wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his chair. Liz glared at him knowing exactly what he was thinking. �It�s nothing and that is the end of it,� she said looking straight at him. He stared right back at her, he was not backing down on protecting his sister even if she did not want his protection. Finally she broke his gaze only to be caught in Max�s. It was becoming painfully obvious that Max was very uncomfortable with Liz and Michael�s closeness. The meeting came to a close and the conversation turned to things of less importance. Liz disentangled herself from Michael and stood to start collecting the finished dinner plates. Max grabbed a few more and followed her into the back. He intended on asking her if she was really ok with her admirer. He would look into it if she wanted. He never got the chance, before he was halfway to the kitchen Michael was pushing Maria quickly off his lap. He followed him into the kitchen with a grim expression. Maria rolled her eyes and joined the parade. Liz was about to be ambushed and someone had to keep Michael from doing anything stupid. This left Kyle, Tess, Alex, and Isabel alone in the dining room. They stared after to weird procession until Alex broke the silence. �Has anything noticed something strange going on between them lately?� �Thank God!� Isabel exclaimed. �I thought I was the only one.� �Me too. Michael and Liz? What is that all about? I was under the impression they didn�t get along,� Kyle threw in. �They never used to. Now he�s so ... possessive of her.� Tess observed. �He won�t let Max anywhere near her. I know its bothering Max. I can hear him ranting about it in his room when he thinks there is no one else in the house.� �But Michael and Maria seem even closer,� Tess commented �You don�t think...� Alex began hesitantly. �Think what?� He leaned in closer to the table and motioned for the others to do the same. �Well, that they.... you know.� He was met with confused stares. �I could see Michael going for it and maybe Maria, but Liz? I never thought she would be into things like that. Not that I often think about my friends sex lives.� �ALEX!� Isabel swatted his arm hard as what he was eluding to dawned on her. �Alex, I can't believe you. That is disgusting. I don�t think Liz is really his type anyway,� Tess shuddered at the thought. �Hey, don�t kill the messenger. It was just a thought. Granted not a pleasant one but it makes sense if you think about it.� �No it does not you pervert.� Isabel inched away from him on the booth. �Alex,� Kyle began in an icy tone, �there is no way that Liz would *ever* do anything like that.� Believing Kyle knew somethings about Liz a little better than the rest of them Alex silently nodded. Breaking the silence Isabel threw a french fry from one of the plates still on the table. Alex grinned, �I�m sorry princess, did you just throw a fry at me?� �I believe I did.� �Well then,� he picked up another fry, this one covered in catsup, and threw it at her. Anticipating his attack she squealed and ducked. The fry came to land on Tess�s left shoulder. �Alex! This was a brand new shirt.� She took a spoon filled with apple sauce brought it back and fired. Unfortunately, her aim was a little off and it hit Kyle smack in the face. Bringing his hand to his face he wiped away the offending goop while eying Tess, �Oh Miss Harding you are soo going to pay for that.� Tess giggled and made a hasty retreat from the booth. Kyle was hot on her heals having grabbed a mustard bottle off the table. He squirted it, spraying a bright yellow stream down the back of her shirt. Alex took advantage of Izzy�s distraction to get back at her, deftly grabbing the mate to Kyle�s bottle of mustard. Isabel turned back just in time to see the red sticky stuff land all over the front of her blouse. Her eyes widened in shock and her mouth dropped open. Quickly developing a plan she stood, grabbed Max�s milkshake and poured it over his head before he could blink, then she ran. Alex hollered a battle cry and took off after her. Unfortunately he ran straight through Kyle and Tess�s line of fire causing him to bear a striking resemblance to a hot dog. Hearing the commotion out in the cafe, the others made their way back in. When they walked in they found the reaming four running around covered in various condiments occasionally slipping and falling on the equally covered floor. Max let a chuckle escape when Izzy grabbed the back of Alex�s shirt squirting mayo down the back. All four heard him laugh and whirled around to see Michael, Max, and Maria trying very hard to keep the laughter down. The same look passed between the four as they advanced on the clean members of the group. Before they could attempt a retreat all three were coated in mayonnaise, mustard, catsup, and relish. Of course, they ran to the nearest table, grabbed bottles and joined in the fight. After thoroughly coating each other they laid in wait for the eighth and only clean member of the group to walk through that door. A moment later Liz came through wiping her hands on a dish towel. She looked up to see seven very disgusting teenagers with condiment bottles aimed at her. She backed slowly towards the door but they followed her movements. She saw the spray beginning, throwing up her hands to block her face, she laughed and screamed at the same time. A few seconds passed but nothing hit her. Slowly she raised her head, her eyes widened as she took in her very stunned friends through a swirling wall of purple that was emitted from her hand. �Wow.� ~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ �Finally I would like your paper to be at least six pages in length, double spaced, and you lose five points for every misspelled word. Are there any questions?� Liz sat in her English class listening to her teacher drone on about the paper for their latest novel, The Crucible. The paper was due next Monday, today was Tuesday, which meant they had known about the paper for a month. Liz had finished a week ago. Now was the time when they went over everything for the kids who didn�t pay attention the first two hundred times Mrs. Stump explained the assignment. She sighed as she doodled around the borders of her notebook. She had heard that what you doodled said things about your personality and outlook on life. She wondered what it said about her. All around her paper where little replaces of the necklace she had gotten from the Granolith, stars, and the word destiny. Some stupid person would probably say it meant that she was idealistic, shot for the stars and was a romantic at heart, or some other such nonsense. Maybe at one time that was true but not any more. Now these doodles represented all the things that were currently screwing with her life. Liz�s inner monologue was about to take an even darker turn when she felt it again. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and a cold chill ran down her back. Someone was watching her. This was the third time today she had felt it. Slowly raising her head, she casually looked around the room. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. No one was looking at her, no one averted their eyes quickly when she looked around. There was nothing to give any clues as to who was watching her, just a room full of bored kids. This was starting to freak her out. It was one of several occasions since Monday morning. There were never any clues as to who it was and it was not a nice stare. It made her shiver and want to crawl under her desk. It made her cold. Not like when Max used to stare at her. When Max stared at her it gave her a warm, tingling feeling all over her body. Like the sun was shining and only for her. Whoever was watching her now made it feel like the air conditioner had been left on too long. If it continued she was going to have to tell Michael. Liz had told Max during their phone conversation last night. She had not meant to but deep down she wanted his reassurance. Reassurance that it was nothing, just her being paranoid. Reassurance that even if it was something he would never let anything happen to her. Of course she could not tell him that there was the possibility that it was a crazed psycho from from another planet out to kill her. She did not think he would take it as calmly as she had. Max seemed to be in overprotective mode right along with Michael. The funny thing was watching him wonder why she was spending so much time with Michael. There had already been a few times when she and Maria had been the only things between both of their enormous egos. She did have to admit that the jealousy was a little nice. At least she knew Max no longer hated her. Anyway, Liz had not told Michael yet because he would instantly turn into super big brother. Michael was feeling residual guilt over not knowing her or accepting her prior to the revelation about Lillyah. He had never said as much but Liz knew. As soon as he found out that she thought she was being watched he would translate that to immanent danger. He already monitored her activity and whereabouts like parole officer. God forbid he discover her phone conversations with Max, it was bad enough they sat across from each other at lunch. If Michael found out about someone watching her she would probably have round the clock security and be chained to her bed. None the less, Liz was not stupid, if this kept up she very well could be in danger. She would have to tell Michael if the feeling continued. �Liz?� She jumped when someone shook her shoulder and called her name. Looking up she saw Colin standing over her with a concerned countenance. �Are you OK?� �Yeah, sorry. I was just lost in thought,� she smiled at him. �Well, were you planning on having lunch or were you going to continue your musings?� �Huh?� �Its lunch time.� Colin gestured to the empty class room. �Oh my gosh. I didn�t even hear the bell ring.� Colin chuckled. �Must have been some pretty interesting thoughts.� He offered his hand to help her from her seat. She took it and stood, grabbing her bag. �Oh, well not really, just some random stuff. Nothing too earth shattering.� She smiled up at him as they left the room. He kept her hand lightly tucked in his as they walked to the quad. �Liz, I have a huge favor to ask you.� He looked at her nervously. �Ok, shoot.� �I got roped into baby-sitting my neighbors kids tonight. I am really terrible with kids. I never know what to do and inevitably something gets broken or someone ends up in the ER.� Liz laughed at his description and the obvious look of terror on his face. �You are really the only person I know well enough to ask this. I totally understand if you say no because its so last minute and its not like we hang out all the time. But I really like you and I consider you a friend and I would really be forever grateful if you would help me out.� He looked at her desperately, kicking himself mentally for babbling and sounding like such an idiot in front of her. Liz narrowed her eyes but continued to smile at him. �So what your saying is that you want to dump your unwanted charges on me.� Colin�s eyes grew in panic and he started waving his hands around. �No! No, you misunderstood. I was asking if you would just come over and help out a little. You know, supervise.� Liz giggled, �Colin calm down, I knew what you meant. I was just teasing you.� She could see him relax his shoulders, �and of course I will help you. Tell me when and where and I�m there.� �Oh Liz, you have no idea how grateful I am.� Impulsively he pulled her into a light hug to show his gratitude. He pulled back before Liz even registered it. �Ok I�ll let you go eat now.� They had reached the quad and he was well aware that there were four very protective guys that did not want him eating with them. Colin did not blame them too much. If Liz was his, he would want her to stay from new guys too. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ �Don�t even start, Michael,� Liz said as she sat down next to him at their table. She had seen him watching her and Colin and right now she really did not want to get into it. He narrowed his eyes at her but didn�t press the issue. Max and Alex were the only other two at the table so far. Both had been watching but with different thoughts. Max still didn't like that Colin guy. But he was trying to keep on Liz�s good side. He figured if he didn�t press it, let Michael be the heavy when it came to those things, it made him look all the better in Liz�s eyes. Alex on the other hand was watching the interaction between Liz and Michael. He had been watching them ever since the food fight. He had been wrong about his ideas of the three of them. If you watched carefully you could see that Maria was definitely the girlfriend. The two seemed to be closer lately. Michael was actually openly affectionate with her. And Liz, as weird as it sounded Liz seemed to be the little sister. Michael was fiercely protective of her but his hands were always in appropriate places. They fought like Max and Isabel did when Izzy did things Max thought would get her in trouble. Huh, maybe them getting closer was not such a bad thing. At least if you were not Max, Alex chuckled to himself. �Liz,� Max ignored the evil eye Michael gave him every time he spoke to Liz. What was his problem? �Yeah?� Liz gave him that glorious smile and he almost forgot what he was going to ask her. �Do you want to go after school and work on your shield. We should see how long you can hold it, what kind of things it can block, that stuff.� �Sure, but I can�t go today. How about Thursday?� �Thursday�s fine. Michael can you come Thursday?� It was almost physically painful for Max to ask that, but they needed him to test his power blasts on her shield. �Shmer,� he nodded with a mouth full of chips. He was going to show up anyway. Liz held her breath for a few moments to see if any of the guys had picked up that she had plans that did not include them tonight. When Izzy and Maria came over the matter went unnoticed. �yes. freedom!� Liz thought to herself. �Hey Liz?� �Yeah?� �Someone left something for me that I think you should be jealous of.� �And what's that Maria?� Maria pulled a small plastic alien out of her bag. �Looks like you admirer has moved on to me.� Liz laughed. �Well you can have him. I have my hands full.� She gestured around the table all three girls broke into giggles. �Speaking of worshipers. Are you wearing some new perfume or something Liz?� Isabel asked. �No, why?� �It seams you are attracting half of West Roswell lately. Rob McClain was hounding me during my algebra class about you.� �Oh for pete sake. I�m sorry Iz. That guy is such a jerk.� �Its Ok, I told him he would have to grow a neck and a pair of green antenna before you would date him.� All the girls laughed again but the guys were not so jovial. This Rob jerk was not backing down. He had been leaving Liz alone directly, but the three of them had heard him talking about her on several different occasions. Max almost became violent yesterday after gym. The only thing that stopped him was knowing it would upset Liz. They passed a few looks to keep closer tabs on Liz during school. Maybe he would stop by the Crashdown before closing tonight to make sure things were ok on that front too. Chapter 17 ___________________________________________ Liz was standing on the Anderson's door step at seven thirty sharp. Ringing the bell she heard the immediate commotion of barking dogs, screaming kids, and a crying baby. Poor Colin, Liz thought. If he was not good with kids the Anderson�s were not a great place to start your career in baby sitting. Liz knew the family and had watched the kids on a few different occasions. They had four kids between the ages of eight and eighteen months. To say that they were a handful was an understatement. A breathless but grateful Colin opened the door to his own personal savior. Liz breezed by him with a small smirk. �Hey Colin. Looks like I got here just in time. Here, why don�t I take Emma for you?� She reached out to grab the screaming baby off his hip. Colin watched in amazement as the baby instantly quieted and rested her head on Liz�s shoulder. She swayed from side to side patting the babies back. �Its all in the movement, something more fluid like swaying is much more calming.� �Ok. I�ll remember that.� �Lizzy! Lizzy! Lizzy!� Dawn and Tyler thundered out of the kitchen each grabbing one of her legs almost knocking her over. Colin grabbed her shoulders to steady her and Emma. Liz sent him a thankful smile before turning her attention to the two jumping beans next to her. Crouching down she noticed that both their faces were covered in chocolate ice cream. Looking back up at Colin she raised her brows, �only a half an hour and we have already had to resort to ice cream?� �I told you, I needed help,� he answered desperately. Liz laughed. She had that kind of tinkling laugh like a crystal chandelier in a light breeze he thought. Standing back up Liz started to make a few plans. �What do you say after Colin helps you was your faces we play a little Candyland?� �Yeah! Candyland!� The kids started jumping up and down. �Where is Mark?� �I think he�s upstairs doing his home work.� �Ok, do you think you can help them wash their faces?� Liz laughed again at Colin�s scared countenance. �Just wet a washcloth and wipe off their hands and faces. Not a biggie. Guys can you show Colin where you keep your games?� �Yeah!� They both grabbed a hand and started dragging him off. �Wait,� he called turning his anxious face back to her, �What are you going to do?� �I�m going upstairs to check on Mark and put Emma to bed.� She gestured to the now sleeping babe in her arms. �Wow,� was all he could say. The minute the Anderson's had left all Emma had done was scream at him. Thank God for Liz, she really was amazing. Liz smiled as she moved passed him, the kids pulling on his arms again. Before she turned to leave she whispered in his ear �try not to look so scared. They know fear and use it against you.� Then she was gone. Colin blindly let Dawn and Tyler drag him into the family room, his brain clouded with the feeling of her hot breath on his ear. This had to stop. He was falling for her and fast. This was not good. He barely knew her. Although whenever they were together he felt as though he had always know her. Liz had this way of making you feel like you were the only other person on the earth. He could see why her friends were so protective of her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was nine and Dawn had been put to bed. It was just Colin, Liz, Tyler and Mark watching Aladdin in the family room. Liz and Colin were sitting on the couch, the boys on the floor. At some point Colin had slipped his arm around her shoulders and she had leaned into him. It was not something he had intended to do but he really needed to touch her just a little bit. As the night had gone on he slipped deeper into her spell. She was so good with the kids. They adored her. Dawn had not even put up a fight to go to bed. Liz agreed to tell her a story and there were no tears. He tried to resist her. He knew they should only be friends. She had been through enough recently. He had heard the rumors, she needed time to be by herself. Still, he could not help thinking how much he wished he could be the one she chose next. The next one of her many waiting suitors to be graced with her beauty and laughter on a regular basis. Friends he repeated to himself. That�s all they were, friends. He tried to console himself with having gotten that far. He could tell Liz was very selective with her group of friends. She was rarely with out one of her group of eight. Especially the boys, it took an act of God to get near her when they were around. Not that he could blame them. There was something about knowing her that made you want to protect her. To make her feel safe. Now they sat on the couch his arm around her shoulder and his cheek resting on her head. He tried to ignore how soft her silky hair was under it. She started singing along with the song in the movie. Lord! She even had a beautiful voice. He could not help thinking it was like a siren's song, beckoning him to her and he obeyed even though it meant certain death. Liz stretched a stood as the credits rolled on the movie. Seeing that the boys had fallen asleep she covered them with blankets before leaving the room. Colin followed her into the kitchen. �I can not thank you enough Liz. You really saved my life tonight.� �Colin please. It was no problem really. It gave me a chance to get away from the Crashdown for the evening.� She glanced at her watch. �Its ten, the Anderson's should be home in a half an hour. Is it ok with you if I go home now?� Colin was a little disappointed that she wanted to go now that all the kids were asleep but there was nothing he could do to stop her. �Yeah sure, I�ll be fine.� He waked her to the door. �I had a really good time tonight Colin.� Liz smiled up at him. �Yeah so did I.� He said softly as he leaned in a little more. There was a moment of silence. He was so close he could feel her breath on his face. How could someone�s breath smell so sweet? Liz broke the spell, moving away and grabbing the door knob. �I�ll see you tomorrow Colin.� She turned and waved as she made her way down the walk. �Yeah.� He whispered as he watched her disappear around the corner. He was in trouble, deep, deep trouble. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* An hour earlier... Michael was putting up the chairs in the dining room in preparation of the last sweep of the day. He was on the closing shift at the Crashdown today. Normally he would have complained bitterly to anyone who would listen but this way he got to be the last to leave, making sure Liz was locked up tight. He knew she was feeling suffocated but there was nothing to be done about it right now. She needed to stay safe and the only way he could do that was to be with her whenever possible. This evening had been unusually quiet but he welcomed the break. Liz had not been downstairs since dinner. She was in higher spirits which made Michael happy. She had become increasingly hostile and closed off lately. He knew it was from having to keep this from everyone and not having any answers to her questions. It was not making him any happier to see Liz so upset but he consoled himself with the fact that the situation was only temporary. Michael was pulled from his thoughts when a set a familiar head lights flooded the dim dining room. Walking to the door, he unlocked it and held it open. �You know we�re closed right?� �When has that ever stopped any of us from staying here late?� �True enough. Did you come for the food or did you need to see me?� Max ignored Michael�s tone, he knew very well that he was here to see Liz. �I came to see Liz.� Michael was having trouble thinking of a way to keep Max down here. Before he could think of something Max started for the back stairs. �Has Liz been here all night?� �Yeah.� He was on his heals going up the stairs. Max had that determined look that said �don�t get in my way, I�m the leader� �Oh...hmm. That's odd.� �What's odd?� Standing on the stairs, Max turned to him, �I called Liz about fifteen minutes ago but she didn�t answer. I thought it was pretty late for her to be out on a school night without one of us knowing. I just thought I would check on her. She�s seemed...off lately.� He didn�t say that this was the first time in a week Liz had not been waiting for his call. Michael looked away guiltily. �She probably just fell asleep studying.� He moved his hand to the door and unlocked it using his powers. Catching Max�s incredulous look at his basically breaking into Liz�s house he shrugged his shoulders. �If she is asleep I don�t want to wake her.� Max nodded moving past him into the living room. He went straight to her room and knocked lightly on the door. When she didn�t answer he opened it a crack. Ducking his head in he saw that she was not in there. Opening the door wider he and Michael went into investigate. Her bed was made and her books were neatly stacked on her desk. The window was closed but not locked. The bathroom was empty also. Panic was slowly setting in for both boys. Where was she? Michael had seen her go up but not come down. They ripped through the house checking all the rooms and calling to her. Finding nothing they both wound up back in the apartment's kitchen. Max was about to pull his phone out to call for a search party when Michael picked up a sheet of paper off the table and began swearing a blue streak. �Shit! I swear when we find her I am going to kill her myself!� �What? What is it?� He shoved the paper into Max�s hand. �She left us a note.� Max read the note written in Liz�s neat script: Max and Michael, Calm down, I�m fine. I just needed to get out for a little while without a body guard. I should be home by eleven so don�t call the sheriff until at least eleven fifteen. Try not to worry so much, I�m a big girl. L.P. Max smiled to himself. Of course he was angry that she went off at night with out telling anyone, but he was glad she wanted to get away from Michael for a while. �Where do you think she would have gone? We should call Maria, she can search in the Jetta.� �Michael. Slow down. Its almost ten. Lets wait downstairs until eleven like she asked.� �Max we don�t know when she left, who knows what could have happened to her by now.� Why was Michael so concerned about Liz�s safety? Max knew he should be glad that they were getting along but he didn�t like that Michael was more upset than he was. Liz was not stupid. She would never put herself in harms way knowingly. �She�s fine,� he said through gritted teeth as he turned to go down to the cafe to wait for her. �Besides, I would know if something had happened to her.� Michael followed, he knew Max was right. They would know if something had happened to Liz. That did not make him any less angry about her slipping out. Was she this difficult for her parents? They had been sitting downstairs for a few minutes discussing anything of a neutral nature. Sports, powers, school, Maria, basically anything that was not Liz, when Max got a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach. If he would have looked up he would have seen that the same feeling was befalling Michael. Then the feeling spread. A rush of fear inspired adrenaline rippled through his body causing his hands to shake. His eyes widened in recognition when he realized what the feeling was. Raising his eyes to meet Michael�s they both said the same thing, �Liz!� Max did not have time to study Michael�s reaction. The shrill of his cell phone ringing snapped him back into reality. Knowing who it was he pressed talk before the second ring. �Liz?� ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~* Liz was walking along towards the Crashdown. She had forgotten how dark Roswell was at night. It was cloudy so most of the stars were blocked out. Oh well, she would be home in fifteen minutes. She was fine, a little walk at night never hurt anyone. Her thoughts turned to the preceding evening. She had a really nice time with Colin. That was until it looked like he was about to kiss her. Colin was really sweet and nice and funny. He was very attractive but there was one problem, he was not a certain dark haired alien king. �No� she reprimand herself. Max is not yours, never will be. Perhaps there was something to be said for dating a human. There were definitely more to choose from. Maybe Colin would be a good place to start. She had to move on someday. Maybe Colin could help her with that. He was not pushy or over zealous like lots of guys. He genuinely seemed to want to be her friend if that was all she was willing to give. It would be good to have a friend that was not a part of their little alien entourage. Yes, she would give Colin a chance. No matter how much it pissed Michael off. Liz continued walking turning on to the main drag. The street was completely empty. Roswell was a small town, people went to bed early on weeknights. She continued mulling over her alien vs human relationship problem when she felt it. The little hairs on her neck and arms stood up. It felt like she was being watched. Stopping, she turned in an abrupt circle. There was no one behind her. It was dark and she could not make anything out in the shadows. Turing, she continued to walk. After taking five steps she heard it, footsteps coming from behind her. Liz whirled around again to find no one there. Turning back around she walked across the street and picked up the pace. She did not hear anything for another block. Then they started again, matching her speed. Trying to cover their sound with her own footsteps. Liz tried to think quickly. She knew if she turned she would find no one there but at the same time she could feel their icy eyes carving holes in her back. Quickly she searched her brain for an idea. Max! Max and Michael were waiting for her at the Crashdown, she could feel them there. Pulling out her cell she dialed Max�s number. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* �Liz?� �Max!� Max stood and started toward the doors. She sounded scared and out of breath. �Liz what�s wrong? Where are you?� His own voice raising an octave in panic. �Max, I�m about six blocks from the Crashdown. I think I�m being followed.� Liz looked over her shoulder. She could barely make out a tall figure sticking to the shadows about two hundred yards behind her. When he noticed she saw him he stared walking faster. �Oh God!� Liz said more to herself than to Max as she broke out into a run. �LIZ!� Max yelled into the phone as he broke into a run of his own, Michael right by his side. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Liz kept running, she had never noticed how long the blocks in the town were. Glancing behind she saw the guy was gaining on her. He was keeping in the shadows so she would not see his face until he was right on top of her. �Aaahhhhh!� she screamed when she tripped over a curb. Her phone flew from her hand shattering to a million pieces. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Max and Michael heard Liz�s scream echo down the deserted street. �LIIIZZ!� they both yelled back into the night. Max held the phone back to his ear but it was dead. A low moan escaped as he raced on hopping it would not be too late. ~*~*~*~*~*~ Liz didn�t dare look over her shoulder while she picked herself up off the street. She knew she would see the man coming closer. She concentrated on getting up and putting distance between herself and her pursuer. She stumbled a few times but managed to start running towards where she had heard Max and Michael�s response to her scream. It was only about three blocks now. She could make it. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Max did not remember these blocks being so long. Why couldn�t he run faster? She needed him. If anything happened to her.... Then he heard it. Running footsteps. He knew it was her before he could see her. She was still at least a block away. �Liz!� he called out to her, a sudden burst of energy quickening his pace. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ �Max!� she called back. If she could just get to him everything would be fine. Just a block, he was only a block away. Then she could see them. Make out their frantic running forms barreling towards her, she felt her knees weaken at the sight. Just when she thought she could not go another step there were strong arms crushing her to a hard body. There were no thoughts only feelings, relief, safety, warmth. She heard running somewhere in the distance. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Max wrapped his arms around her slender form tighter. He let Michael take off in pursuit of the guy. He was content to hold Liz and reassure them both that she was ok. �You�re all right. You�re safe. I won�t let anyone hurt you.� He repeated over and over into her hair while their breathing slowed. Rhythmically, he stroked her back and hair. Confirming, as much for himself as for her, that she was really safe. Liz balled her fists into his jacket holding on for dear life. Pressing her nose into his chest she breathed in his spicy scent. She was finally calming under Max�s gentle words when she was ripped out of his grasp. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* When he saw that Max had a firm grip on his sister Michael took off after the guy. The perpetrator had a commanding lead. He guessed when he heard he and Max call out to Liz he took of in the other direction. After following for a few blocks he lost him. He ran back to make sure Liz was Ok, that the bastard had not laid a hand on her. Not paying Max any heed he grabbed Liz by the shoulders and turned her to face him. He looked her up and down making sure there were no marks, then let his anger take over. Looking into her eyes he shook her hard. �What the hell is wrong with you? Do you know how scared I was when you were not in your room? Do you have any idea what it would have done to me if something happened to you? How could you be so careless Liz? HOW?� Liz�s lip began to quiver and her already brimming eyes silently spilled over. Max watched on dumbfounded. He grabbed Liz back from Michael and turned her towards his chest when he saw a quiet sob shake her body. �Michael! What the hell is wrong with *you*? Like she is not already upset enough, you make her cry?� Max cradled her head with his hand while rubbing slow circles on the small of her back. Michael�s anger faded away and was replaced with guilt. God, he made her cry. What *was* wrong with him? She was just chased down the street by a lunatic and he yells at her. Wonderful. He was just so worried. When he had heard her scream the fear had been paralyzing. Michael had never been so scared in his life, not even when Pierce had Max. It threatened to overwhelm him so he dealt with it like he did everything he did not understand, he let the emotion turn to anger. A lot of good that did him. Max was right. He had made his own sister cry after she was almost attacked. What kind of a person was he? When her shaking finally stopped Max leaned back a little. Hooking his forefinger under her chin he brought her eyes to meet his. She smiled weakly as he wiped away the remaining tears with his thumb. �Why don�t we take you home?� Liz nodded still unable to speak for the lump in her throat. Max turned, still keeping her tightly tucked under his arm, and began walking towards the Crashdown. Michael trailed a few paces to Liz�s left and behind. She silently reached out her hand and took his. She squeezed it in a silent message that she forgave him as long he forgave her. He smiled as he returned the gesture and escorted his sister back to the safety of her home. Back Next |